In a deeply distressing turn of events, two Kashmiri students were injured in an Israeli airstrike that struck the Hujjatdost Dormitory at Tehran University of Medical Sciences on June 15. The attack has triggered panic among the approximately 1,500 Indian students in Iran—most hailing from Jammu and Kashmir—who now find themselves stranded in a rapidly deteriorating security situation, reported the Times of India.
One of the students, 21-year-old Faizan Ali from Srinagar, studying at Kerman University of Medical Sciences, described the growing tension. “Although my university is located in a safer zone, Tehran is in ruins. We heard gunshots. Many of us are scared,” he said. Classes have been suspended, and most universities have announced closure until October. Faizan mentioned that students are anticipating evacuation by Monday evening or Tuesday, though disrupted internet connectivity is making communication difficult.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) issued a passionate appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for immediate intervention. Their statement expressed grave concern for students living near military zones, constantly exposed to the sounds of airstrikes, sirens, and military activity. “Students are living in fear and feel helpless,” the JKSA emphasized. In Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, anguished parents gathered on Sunday, appealing emotionally to authorities to bring their children home safely.
J&K leader Omar Abdullah shared that he had spoken to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who assured that the Indian government is actively working on steps to safeguard its citizens in Iran.
In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Indian students are being relocated to safer zones with assistance from the Indian Embassy. Many based in Tehran are being shifted to Qom, which is considered relatively more secure.
In a welcome move, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has committed to providing safe land routes for foreign nationals, including Indian students, due to the ongoing closure of airports. Authorities have requested lists of names, passport numbers, and travel plans to coordinate this vital evacuation effort.
As the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, the fate of hundreds of Indian students hangs in the balance, and families back home continue to wait anxiously for news of their safe return.
